Summer-borns are here to stay, it seems. Early-years’ education poses considerable challenges but pieces like “The sooner the better” (TES Primary, February 13) do little to clarify the issues.
Peter Tymms repeats, yet again, his critique of our study. Despite extensive dialogue, he continues to misrepresent our position. We do not question the value of time spent in good reception classes but we do say that season of birth does make a difference.
These issues have been aired in detail in recent issues of our journal, Educational Research, where we have given Peter Tymms space to set out his argument. It is a pity that he seeks to use The TES to promote his own work by vilifying the work of others.
SEAMUS HEGARTY
Director National Foundation for Educational Research Slough Berkshire